Plasma TV: Reviews

Though it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of more upscale plasma TVs, reviewers say that LG's mid-priced plasma TV hits a sweet spot in terms of picture quality and value. Black levels are a step behind the… very best plasma TVs, but most say color performance is excellent. In addition, the LG 60PK550 has an array of sophisticated picture controls and built-in calibration aids to help get things technically perfect. Unfortunately, there isn't much more to talk about in terms of features, and power consumption is high compared to most other current TVs. A 50-inch version of this LG plasma TV is also available.

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When it comes to features, Samsung has left little out of the 58-inch PN58C7000. Of course, 3-D is the marquee story here, and the PN58C7000 does a good job in displaying 3-D content -- at least what little there is of it… so far. However, the Samsung PN58C7000 is also one of the few TVs that can convert standard 2D to 3-D on the fly. Internet connectivity is also included, and Samsung offers one of the most diverse lineups of content providers of any plasma TV. Picture quality is excellent, though some say it is slightly edged out by some other TVs. Considering all that's included, most say the value is excellent. Other screen sizes include 50 inches and 63 inches.

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While 3-D is part of the package offered by the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50VT25, reviewers say that it's not the reason to buy it. Instead, most point to the terrific picture quality, led by blacks that are among the darkest… offered by any TV. Colors are also excellent, and many appreciate the anti-glare screen that gives this plasma the ability to look almost as good in a brightly lit room as it does in a darkened one. 3-D performance is called very good in reviews, and Panasonic at least throws one pair of the required glasses into the deal (extras will cost you $150 each, however). Internet connectivity is also provided, but the content lineup isn't very impressive. The TV is also available in 54-inch, 58-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 (*Est. $2,200) is a version of this TV that's sold exclusively at Best Buy. It lacks a few minor features but is otherwise identical.

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If you want a big screen with a small price tag, reports say that the Samsung PN50C450 is worth a look. The picture quality is generally solid. Blacks are deep and satisfying, though clearly not as inky as with more… upscale TVs. Color performance is also generally strong. Sound quality comes in for some kudos -- a surprise in any flat-screen TV, let alone a budget offering. Features are limited, however, and the resolution is only 720p. A version with a 42-inch screen size is also available.

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If you don't want 3-D but do want top-shelf picture quality and other cutting-edge features, the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25 should be on your short list. Picture quality is very good -- better than most other HDTVs… though perhaps a very small step behind that of Panasonic's flagship TC-PVT20/25 series, such as the Panasonic TC-P50VT25 profiled above. Though 3-D is missing, just about every other feature most would want is present. Highlights include Internet connectivity, THX certification, an effective anti-glare screen and more. Other available screen sizes include 46 inches, 50 inches and 54 inches.

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Experts say that the 42-inch LG 42PJ350 might not deliver the very best picture quality, but it's not all that far behind. In addition, even its harshest critics say that the plasma TV's value is very hard to beat. Like… most budget TVs, the feature lineup isn't very impressive. However, what is impressive is the extensive array of color controls and calibration aids -- something not found even in many high-end sets. One notable negative is that while HD performance is very good, standard-definition images don't look as sharp on this TV as on some competing sets. A 50-inch version is also available.

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